From WOOD COUNTY HISTORICAL CENTER & MUSEUM
The 16th annual Wood County Living History Day is Sunday, Aug. 25 at 2 p.m. at the Paupers’ Cemetery on the Historical Museum grounds, Bowling Green.
Local residents portray citizens interred in Wood County pauper cemetery. 2019 honorees were chosen to coincide with the “For Comfort & Convenience” exhibit at the Wood County Historical Center & Museum. This event is free and open to the public.
“A Joyful Noise” will provide music before the event. Parking is available at the Museum parking lot. The Wood County Sheriff’s Auxiliary will provide free rides from the parking lot to the cemetery where the program will be held. Chairs are available, although those attending are encouraged to bring a lawn chair. In case of heavy rain, the program will be moved inside the Museum in to the meeting room.
2019 honorees are:
CATHERINE ANDELFINGER (1815 – 1902) – She lived at the County Home for 30 years. Known as “Old Mother Come and Go”. She has the only tombstone in the Paupers’ Cemetery with a name on it. Portrayed by September Killy
GEORGE BICE (1844 – 1927) – Lived at the Infirmary for 3 years. He was listed as a widowed and left behind several children. Known for a wooden leg. Portrayed by Thomas Edge
FRANK BRANDEBERRY (1875 – 1953) – (Not buried in the Paupers’ Cemetery)
Originally from Hancock County, Frank came to work as a laborer at the Wood County Infirmary where he met Lottie Farmer. Upon her father’s death in 1904, Frank and Lottie became the Superintendent and Matron of the Infirmary for 45 years. Portrayed by Keith Guion
CHARLIE CRUSA (1880 – 1955) – Helped with digging graves in the Paupers’ Cemetery. Non-speaking part. Portrayed by Daniel Hergert
SALLY LEGRON – Born in Pennsylvania, lived in Bloom Twp. before coming to the Infirmary. She was known for smoking a pipe. Portrayed by: Cassie Greenlee
AUTHER PALMER MOORE (1904 – 1927) Married to Laura Bella Short. Shot and killed during a suspected robbery. (Was never a resident of the Infirmary). Portrayed by Geoffrey Howes
FRANK RAKOVAN (1881 – 1938) – Worked at the Edward Ford Glass plant in Rossford, OH. Came to the Infirmary in March 1933. Portrayed by Bob Midden
MARY ELIZABETH RHODES (1848 – 1933) – Came to the Infirmary in 1883 and lived at the County Home for 50 years. She was known as “Bess”. Portrayed by Kelly Wolbert
UNKNOWN YOUNG MAN (unknown – 1941) – Italian or Syrian man who was murdered near Cygnet and buried in the Paupers’ Cemetery. Portrayed by Bob Walters
Event details and past honorees can be found at woodcountyhistory.org.
Support for this program was provide by the Bowling Green Kiwanis Club, Exchange Club of Bowling Green, Portage Center Arbor Gleaners 524, Delphos Granite Works, Montessori School of Bowling Green, Wood County Genealogical Society, Mike Sibbersen, Wood County Historical Society, This program was funded in part by a grant from the Frisch Family Fund of the Toledo Community Foundation. With additional support from: City of Bowling Green, Wood County Sheriff & Auxiliary, Way Public Library, DBD Sound Reinforcement, and the Living History Day committee.
